The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Ponzi and pyramid schemes in Nigeria, aiming to create a conducive environment for legitimate investments to flourish this year.
In a New Year address to the capital market community, SEC’s Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama, outlined the commission’s strategic focus for the year. He said protecting investors and restoring trust in the capital market remained central to SEC’s mission.
He said: “Enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation. We are revamping our investigative processes to enhance efficiency and hold bad actors accountable more decisively. Insider trading undermines activities and dampens market fairness. By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms.”
Agama highlighted the commission’s multi-pronged approach to tackle fraudulent schemes, which have been a persistent threat to investor confidence. According to him, SEC will prioritise enforcement actions, enhance market transparency, and revitalise the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) for more efficient resolution of disputes.
“Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence and capital markets. We will introduce measures to ensure greater visibility and trust in securities transactions,” he said.
The SEC boss also identified the commodities market as a key area for growth in 2025. With Nigeria’s agrarian economy offering a comparative advantage, the commission plans to bolster the legal and regulatory frameworks governing this sector.
“The commodities market holds immense potential for economic development. This year, SEC will focus on reinforcing the structures that support its growth, ensuring a vibrant ecosystem for both soft and hard commodities. We are committed to taking Nigeria’s commodities market to the next level,” he said.
Dr Agama tasked stakeholders to collaborate with SEC in driving the capital market towards inclusive growth.
“As we embark on this journey, I invite all stakeholders to work with us in achieving these goals. Together, we can unlock the potentials of the Nigerian capital market and make this a defining year for our economy,” he said.
He assured of the Commission’s dedication to drive the capital market to deliver development to every Nigerian.
The Nation
